dubrovnik

The hit Emmy nominated television show Game of Thrones used some of Croatia’s’ many amazing landmarks and locations to depict the fictional land of Westeros. Whilst the battle for the Iron Throne continues we show four of the Croatian destinations for you to visit.

Dubrovnik – Known in the Game of Thrones as King’s Landing, in reality Dubrovnik has been crowned the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. The Old Town in Dubrovnik is a well preserved example of a late-medieval walled city and boasts UNESCO Heritage protection. Explore the Old Town and relax in many of the bars and restaurants within it. You can also purchase tickets, which are approximately £7 to walk around the walls. This also includes entrance to Lovrijenac Fortress with features in Game of Thrones as Red Keep. It was once of great importance to the defense of Dubrovnik.

For the best view of Dubrovnik take a trip on the cable car up Mount Srdj for around £10. You will be able to see the Old Town and the Fortress from here along with many of the nearby islands, including Lokrum (Qarth).

Lokrum – Lying around 500m from the coast, Lokrum Island was portrayed as the ancient port of Qarth in the Game of Thrones series. Take a ferry to Lokrum from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbour between April and November, with regular departures throughout the day. There are number of things to do during your time on this peaceful island.

Lokrum Island

You can swim in the small lake located towards the south of island, or lie on the smooth rocks and relax, with the waves lapping at your feet. If you’re feeling peckish, have a meal in the restaurant or take a walk around the island and to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. You may notice that you will have some company on the island, in the form of free roaming peacocks that are present on Lokrum.

Trsteno – Located around 15 miles from Dubrovnik, Trsteno has some of the lushest vegetation in the Mediterranean. It is increasing in popularity due to the Arboretum being depicted in the Games of Thrones as the garden in Kings Landing. Trsteno is a small fishing village with no hotels but can be visited as a day trip from Dubrovnik. A regular local bus service connects Dubrovnik and Trsteno throughout the day and takes around 30 minutes.

Trsteno Arboretum

There are amazing sea views as well as the Arboretum to be visited. Some areas of the Arboretum were badly damaged during the war in 1991 and by fire in 2000 but it has since been recreated. It is a fantastic place to walk around or relax with a book amongst the beautiful scenery and amazing views. You can also visit Neptune fountain, or walk the paths to the harbour where some of the scenes from the Game of Thrones were filmed.

Krka National Park – was used for countryside scenes and natural backdrop scenes in the Game of Thrones. It in one of Croatia’s eight National Parks, and has been so since 1985. It is located approximately 8 miles from Sibenik, where some scenes for series five have been filmed.

Krka National Park is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful waterfalls, the Stradinski Buk; a series of 17 waterfalls. There are six other waterfalls within the Krka National Park to visit, and unlike the Plitvice National Park, you are able to swim in the waters of Krka National Park.

Krka National Park

There are also many individual mills within the Krka National Park which had previously been used to make the most of the power from the waterfalls. Some still remain, and some have been renovated into restaurants and souvenir shops.

You can take boat excursions around Krka, and one of these takes you to visit Visovac Island. Whilst on the island you can take a look around the monastery, which has been on the island since 1445. You can also visit the lovely church, the museum or stroll around the stunning grounds.

The new series of Game of Thrones is due to be shown in April 2015, and will again show off the beauty of Croatia.

If you are interested in holidaying at any of these locations or any other locations in Croatia, Slovenia or Montenegro and would like more information then please call Balkan Escape on 01775 719891. ‘Dream holidays tailored to you’.

4 Game of Thrones filming locations to visit in Croatia was last modified: February 5th, 2015 by Aimee Cunningham

The Old Town – Dubrovnik’s Old Town is simply like no other. Encompassed in a ring of defensive walls, it contains many of the sights and sounds that attract visitors year after year. Forts, churches, museums and galleries, this is the real heart and soul of the city. Explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets, walk the city walls then by night take a romantic stroll and enjoy candlelit meals in one of the many excellent restaurants on offer.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Look Down at serenity – Be prepared to be left in awe! Dubrovnik’s famous cable car, recently reopened and back to its former glory, gives visitors the opportunity to see Dubrovnik in all its splendour. Whisking you up a mighty 404m in four minutes, some of the most spectacular views of Croatia’s ribbon coastline are to be had from Mount Srd including the glistening Adriatic, the lush islands of Elaphiti and Lokrum and of course Dubrovnik and it’s Old Town.

View of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Lokrum Island from the car cable

Explore its Neighbouring Islands – Croatia is blessed with over a thousand islands, each one as unique and stunning as the next. Mljet is located only an hour from Dubrovnik by ferry and it is here you’ll find the protected Mljet National Park. Lush vegetation provides its visitors with refreshing shade, while its discrete pathways make it ideal to explore for walkers and bikers. It is however the two crystal clear salt lakes that really make this island so unimaginable beautiful, enhancing its status as one of the best day trips in Europe.

Mljet National Park

Nestled between neighbouring Dubrovnik and Mljet are the cute Elaphiti islands of Kolocep, Sipan and the pick of bunch, Lopud. Rural and car-free, Lopud island is celebrated for its golden sandy beach, stunning lush scenery and excellent day-trip opportunities. Once boasting the status of an important sea-faring port, comprising of 30 churches and a number of noble palaces, it has retained the spirit and splendour of the past.

Top Hotels – Dubrovnik is home to a fantastic selection of accommodation including three, four and five star hotels. One of the best is the 5 star Bellevue, a contemporary glass design with tastefully decorated rooms set upon a spectacular 30 metre cliff top. Alternatively, the charming 4 star Hotel Lapad offers a tranquil location in a building dating back to 1911. Here you’ll be sure to enjoy the delicious culinary delights on offer and a dip in the grand outdoor pool.

5 star Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik

Our Top Tips to Visiting Dubrovnik:

The peak months of July and August can get fairly hot, so if you prefer cooler temperatures choose the shoulder months of May, June, September and October.

Some of the best and cheapest restaurants in the Old Town are away from Stradun (the main street from Pile Gate), so go and explore the maze of alleyways to find your ideal eatery.

Dubrovnik boasts an excellent modern bus network that connects the whole of the city, so it’s easy to visit the main sights and sounds where ever you are staying.

Save money by visiting the local bakeries for lunch and grab some delicious local produce for a picnic, such as cheese, fruit, meat and of course bread.

Dubrovnik: a little slice of heaven was last modified: November 18th, 2014 by Jack Fleming

If you’re thinking about visiting Dubrovnik next year, one of the must do activities is the city’s Cable Car, offering dramatic views of the stunning coastline from the top of Mount Srd. Dubrovnik’s famous cable car, a wonderful feat of modern engineering is back to its former glory, offering tourists the chance once again to experience some of the most spectacular views of Croatia’s ribbon coastline. Taking only four minutes to whisk you up to 405m above sea level, you’ll soon realise why the views from Mount Srd are so popular for it will simply leave you in awe. Take in the glistening Adriatic, the lush islands of Elaphiti and Lokrum and of course Dubrovnik and it’s Old Town.

Photo credit: Flickr S J Pinkney

Tickets can be bought from the lower station (King Petar Krešimir Street, opposite the fire station), costing 100 Kuna for an adult round-trip or 50 Kuna for children (4-12 years old). Alternatively, cheaper single trips can be purchased as it is possible to walk both up and down the mountain, but this is for the serious fit! The cable car is open all year round with departures on the hour and half past the hour from 9am and closes at 4pm in the winter, extending all the way through to midnight in June to August.

Photo Credit: Flickr Brownpau

An unmissable experience: Dubrovnik’s Cable Car was last modified: November 14th, 2014 by Jack Fleming